Maria Ruiz

Maria del Socorro G. Ruiz, 80, of Las Cruces entered eternal life on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 at 1:45 p.m. after her battle with lung cancer. She was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico on Aug. 27, 1932. She died surrounded by family and her husband at her bedside in Albuquerque, N.M. She is survived by her loving husband, Francisco G. Ruiz of 57 years, and all of her six children, 19 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren – Mary and Alfredo Martinez in Atlanta, Ga., which includes four granddaughters and six great-grandchildren, Frank and Kellie Ruiz in Savannah, Ga., which includes five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Cruz and Rosario Ruiz Chavez in Phoenix, Ariz., Jose Luis and Lourdes Ruiz in Ooltewah, Tenn., which includes four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jon Garcia in Albuquerque, which includes three grandsons, Virginia and Richard Hernandez in Las Cruces, which includes two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her blessings were many. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend to so many. She was a burst of sunshine and full of color. Her love of people is what filled that very caring heart of hers with much joy. She gave, and gave and gave to everyone she met. If it wasn't clothing or food, she definitely gave of herself. She never missed a day in her life where she wasn't dancing, traveling, and yes…even the casino! She grew up without a mother and therefore her mother was forever the Virgin Mary. But as she would always say, "Que el Padre los cuide, el Hijo los guarde, y el Espirito Santo los acompane!" Please come celebrate her life with us on Friday, March 15, 2013 at Immaculate Heart of Mary starting with the Holy Rosary at 1 p.m. following the mass at 2 p.m.